Analysts recommend the Pittsburgh Steelers secure a long-term quarterback in the upcoming draft, especially if Aaron Rodgers does not return in 2026. Current roster options, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, lack confidence for the team's future.
Analyst urges Steelers to secure long-term QB hope in draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers waiting on Aaron Rodgers to see if he'll come back in 2026 is one story, but another is what the franchise will do if he doesn't.
We know that Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are the other options on the roster, but neither will inspire too much confidence in Mike McCarthy's offense. Although Howard is an unknown commodity.
So, how should the Steelers approach the position?
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, it isn't a draft dripping with talented quarterback prospects like next year's, so Pittsburgh could be a little stuck.
But for Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick, Pittsburgh is one of five teams he thinks have to come out of the NFL Draft with a quarterback.
"The Aaron Rodgers waiting game can’t be a fun one for the Steelers," Kadlick wrote. "As we approach the 2026 draft, Pittsburgh still doesn’t have an answer on whether Rodgers intends to return, and even if the idea of him reuniting with Mike McCarthy is a fun one, the reality is: He’s 42 years old, meaning this coming season could very well be his last. For real this time.
"With veteran Mason Rudolph and second-year pro Will Howard currently the only quarterbacks on their roster, the Steelers need some form of long-term hope at the position heading into this season."
More: Analyst names 1 position Jets have to address in the NFL Draft
I've seen some mock drafts recently that have the Steelers taking Ty Simpson in the first-round, which some people think is a big reach. Of course, if the Steelers like Simpson, they won't care.
But is taking a quarterback here the right move, especially when the draft next year reportedly has a lot of talented prospects?
That is what Pittsburgh has to figure out.
Because there is no point in wasting a first-round pick on a quarterback if you are hoping to take one high the following year. Of course, there's no guarantee Pittsburgh will be bad enough to get a top pick either.
So, there is a lot to play out over the coming weeks, as the Steelers' quarterback position, as it has all offseason, takes center stage.
The Steelers are considering drafting a long-term quarterback, as their current options, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, may not be reliable.
The 2024 NFL Draft is important for the Steelers because it may be their best opportunity to secure a talented quarterback, especially if Aaron Rodgers does not return.
The current quarterbacks on the Steelers' roster are Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, though neither has proven to be a strong option.
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